Inter Miami CF’s Homegrown phenom Benjamin Cremaschi made his U.S. Men’s National Team debut off the bench in the second half against Oman this past Tuesday. Cremaschi made history with the feat, becoming the first player to complete the whole pathway from MLS NEXT, to MLS NEXT Pro, to MLS and now making his senior debut with the USMNT.
“It’s not something I ever thought about, but now I realize that I’ve gone through every step. It’s amazing that I’m the first player to do that. I’m happy to show all the kids in this country that this is possible, you can take these very big steps in your life as long as you focus and work hard,” said Cremaschi.
It was in the 71st minute against Oman that the Inter Miami Academy product made his senior international debut; just a few minutes into the appearance, he started a swift attacking move that resulted in a goal en route to a 4-0 victory for Cremaschi and the USMNT.
“It was a nice feeling coming into the game, knowing that you’re representing the country that you were born in and grew up playing in. It was amazing to go out there and just enjoy playing,” added Cremaschi.
The midfielder’s personal path began in South Florida and has led him to this milestone. Cremaschi played the bulk of his formative years at Key Biscayne Soccer Club, and then, at 14, the midfielder began his journey at Weston FC, where led his team to win the 2021 U-16 MLS NEXT Cup, claiming the Golden Ball in the process.
Cremaschi joined the Inter Miami CF Academy in 2021, quickly ascending through the youth ranks. He starred at the U-17 level, where he helped guide the team to the GA Cup semifinal and earned an MLS NEXT All-Star nod; in the All-Star game, Cremaschi scored an equalizing goal en route to a victory for the East. The midfielder also excelled at the MLS NEXT Pro level with Inter Miami CF II, making his professional debut and going on to tally five goals and one assist in just 743 minutes of play across 13 appearances, eight of them starts.
Cremaschi was previously called up to the U.S. U-19 and U-20 Men’s Youth National Teams, including a camp in the leadup to the 2022 FIFA World Cup where he trained alongside the senior USMNT. Now, he was called up to the senior USMNT team himself, obtaining his first senior cap against Oman.
The Argentine-American holds international eligibility to play for the Argentine national team as well, having made his appearance for the U-20 Argentine Men’s National Team training camp in preparation for the U-20 World Cup back in Nov. 2022.
On Nov. 22, 2022, Cremaschi signed his professional contract as a Homegrown with the Inter Miami CF First Team. The Argentine, who made his MLS debut this season, has already registered seven assists and two goals across all competitions for the team, including four assists and one goal in the past eight MLS regular season fixtures. Cremaschi also notched one goal and two assists in the historic 2023 Leagues Cup, where he helped Inter Miami CF win its first-ever title in the history of the First Team.
